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- © Estate of Hilda Carline (Spencer), 2004. All rights reserved. DACS
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Stanley Spencer
Hilda Spencer (nee Carline)
- © Estate of Hilda Carline (Spencer), 2004. All rights reserved. DACS
Hilda Spencer (nee Carline)
Stanley Spencer1931In this drawing of her husband, Hilda makes detailed observations of both head and body. She depicts Stanley day-dreaming but makes no suggestion as to the content of those dreams. Hilda Spencer was a talented artist, although frequently overshadowed by her famous husband. This tender drawing shows her highly skilful draughtsmanship. It was drawn when the Spencers were living at Burghclere in Hampshire, while Stanley was working on the murals for Sandham Memorial Chapel. Around the same time as this drawing was made, Stanley completed a drawing of his wife which complements this work.
Glossary Open
Draughtsmanship
The ability to draw skilfully, often refers to technical drawing.
Mural
An artwork or design attached or applied directly to a wall.
Details
- Accession no. GMA 2068
- Medium Pencil on paper
- Size 50.80 x 35.30 cm
- Credit Purchased 1978
Hilda Spencer (nee Carline) (English, 1889 - 1950)
Hilda Spencer is probably best known as the wife and beloved muse of Stanley Spencer. However, she was an artist in her own right and came from an artistic background: both of her parents and her two brothers were artists. She studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, London, where Stanley also studied. They were married in 1925 after a stormy courtship and divorced in 1937. Hilda Spencer produced mainly landscapes and portraits. Her early work was influenced by Post-Impressionism, and her later work was influenced by her husband.
Glossary Open
Muse
The source of an artist's inspiration. The term originates in Greek mythology in which the Muses were the nine daughters of Mnemosyne and Zeus, each of whom presided over a different art or science.
Post-Impressionism
Used to cover a range of different painting styles that emerged following Impressionism in Europe. This includes artists such as Paul Cezanne, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.
Slade School of Fine Art
Part of University College, London, this art college was founded in 1871 with funds from the art collector Felix Slade. Notable students include Augustus and Gwen John, Percy Wyndham Lewis, Stanley Spencer and Ben Nicholson.